Chet Atkins’ Daughter Bestows Final C.G.P. Honor

Chet Atkins‘ daughter, Merle, and his friend, Steve Wariner, presented Paul Yandell with the title “c.g.p.,” for “certified guitar player,” on Saturday (Aug. 13) at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville. During his lifetime, Atkins presented the honorary title to only four other guitarists: Wariner, Tommy Emmanuel, John Knowles and the late Jerry Reed. Yandell, who will be the final “c.g.p.,” served as Atkins’ bandleader for 25 years and was involved in distributing the other “c.g.p.” honors as Atkins’ assistant. An exhibit honoring Atkins’ career opened at the museum on Friday.